lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; But I would not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope, his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind: And tell him this from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions, say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far, as to use mine own words to him? Ser. Yes, sir, I shall. Luc. I will look you out a good turn, Servilius.— [Exit SERVILIUS. True, as you said, Timon is shrunk, indeed; And he, that's once denied, will hardly speed. [Exit LUCIUS. 1 Stran. Do you observe this, Hostilius? 2 Stran. Ay, too well. 1 Stran. Why this Is the world's soul; and just of the same piece Supported his estate; nay, Timon's money 1 Stran. I never tasted Timon in my life, For mine own part, Nor came any of his bounties over me, Had his necessity made use of me, I would have put my wealth into donation, And the best half should have return'd to him, [Exeunt. SCENE III. A Room in Sempronius's House. Enter SEMPRONIUS, and a Servant of Timon's. Sem. Must he needs trouble me in't? 'Bove all others? He might have tried lord Lucius, or Lucullus; Whom he redeem'd from prison: All these three Serv. O my lord, They have all been touch'd, and found base metal; for They have all denied him! Sem. How! have they denied him? Has Ventidius and Lucullus denied him? And does he send to me? Three? humph! It shows but little love or judgment in him. Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians, Thrive, give him over; Must I take the cure upon me? He has much disgrac'd me in't; I am angry at him, That might have known my place: I see no sense for't, But his occasions might have woo'd me first; And does he think so backwardly of me now, And I amongst the lords be thought a fool. And with their faint reply this answer join; Serv. Excellent! Your lordship's a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did, when he made man politick; he crossed himself by't: and I cannot think, but in the end, the villainies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul? takes virtuous copies to be wicked; like those that, under hot ardent zeal, would set whole realms on fire. Of such a nature is his politick love. This was my lord's best hope; now all are fled, And this is all a liberal course allows; Who cannot keep his wealth, must keep his house. [Exit. SCENE IV. A Hall in Timon's House. Enter two Servants of VARRO, and the Servant of LUCIUS, meeting TITUS, HORTENSIUS, and other Servants to TIMON's Creditors, waiting his coming out. Var. Serv. Well met; good-morrow, Titus and Tit. The like to you, kind Varro. Luc. Serv. So much? Phi. Luc. Serv. Is not my lord seen yet? Phi. I wonder on't: he was wont to shine at seven. Luc. Serv. Ay, but the days are waxed shorter with him : You must consider, that a prodigal course Is like the sun's; but not, like his, recoverable. I fear, 'Tis deepest winter in lord Timon's purse; That is, one may reach deep enough, and yet Phi. I am of your fear for that. Tit. I'll show you how to observe a strange event. Your lord sends now for money. Hor. Most true, he does. Tit. And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift, For which I wait for money. Hor. It is against my heart. Luc. Serv. Mark, how strange it shows, Timon in this should pay more than he owes : And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels, And send for money for 'em. Hor. I am weary of this charge, the gods can I know, my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth, Luc. Serv. Five thousand mine. 1 Var. Serv. 'Tis much deep: and it should seem by the sum, Your master's confidence was above mine; Enter FLAMINIUS. Tit. One of lord Timon's men. Luc. Serv. Flaminius! sir, a word: 'Pray, is my lord ready to come forth? Flam. No, indeed, he is not. Tit. We attend his lordship; 'pray, signify so much. Flam. I need not tell him that; he knows, you are too diligent. [Exit FLAMINIUS. Enter FLAVIUS in a Cloak, muffled. Luc. Serv. Ha! is not that his steward muffled so? in a cloud call him, call him. He goes away Tit. Do you hear, sir? 1 Var. Serv. By your leave, sir, Flav. What do you ask of me, my friend? Ay, If money were as certain as your waiting, "Twere sure enough. Why then preferr'd you not Your sums and bills, when your false masters eat lord's meat? Then they could smile, and Of my fawn |